You will serve as a Attorney-Advisor (General) with the Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor, Northeast Region, Twin Cities Regional Office located in Bloomington, MN. In particular, you will provide quality legal research, analysis, advice, and representation to various Department bureaus, including the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, and other officials of the Deparment.
Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Providing legal research, analysis, advice, representation, and other legal services, including drafting legal opinions, to the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) and other bureaus and officials of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) on issues that arise with respect to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA).
OSMRE's primary objectives include ensuring that coal mines are operated in a manner that protects citizens and the environment during mining and ensures that the land is restored to beneficial use following mining, and to mitigate the effects of past coal mining. Handling administrative litigation in the DOI Office of Hearings and Appeals and assisting the U.S.
Department of Justice (DOJ) with judicial litigation (e.g., conducting research, analysis, and interpretation of legal theory, laws, regulations, judicial and administrative court decisions, and other legal documents in the preparation and presentation of assigned litigation, hearings, appeals, and negotiations).
This position may require drafting of litigation reports, motions and briefs, responding to discovery, reviewing administrative records, collecting evidence, developing legal theories, and other associated responsibilities. Advising, analyzing, and assisting OSMRE on rulemakings, enforcement actions, State program and reclamation plan amendments, policy initiatives, guidance documents, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) matters, or other agency decisions.
This will require providing oral and written advice, including legal memoranda. Cooperating with officials and staff of OSMRE in its headquarters, regional, field, and area offices; officials and staff of other bureaus of DOI; other attorneys within the Office of the Solicitor, attorneys in DOJ, including attorneys in the offices of the U.S. Attorneys; officials and to in other Federal agencies; and State, local, or tribal officials.
There may also be interactions with attorneys and others representing non-governmental interests, such as the coal industry or citizens' groups. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.
Education: If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide transcripts as proof of meeting the requirements.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education.
https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification
This position is with Office of the Solicitor, Department of the Interior.
The posted pay range is $97582 – $178265/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2026-11-17.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-11-03 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
Apply on official site →